When experienced and accomplished musicians come
together, good things usually happen. That is the case
with Project Them, featuring Bob Franceschini and Mark
Sherman. The album, Project TH3M (Miles High
Records, 2013) is a set of mostly original songs.

Franceschini plays tenor saxophone and flute; Sherman
plays vibraphone. The two leaders were students together
at the High School of Music and Art in New York City.

With them are Mitchel Forman, piano and organ; Martin
Gjakonovski, bass; Adam Nussbaum, drums; and Paolo Di
Sabatino, piano. Each has established himself as a
leader or a session player with other artists.
Collectively, their associations include Mike Stern, the
Yellowjackets, Dave Liebman, Stan Getz, Gil Evans, Gary
Burton, Kenny Wheeler, Mel Torme, Gerry Mulligan, Wayne
Shorter and the Mahavinshu Orchestra.

“Submissive Dominants,” penned by Sherman, is a
straightforward jazz piece. Tenor and vibes unite for
the melody before Franceschini takes point. There is
plenty of activity behind the lead. The tenor gets a
good workout with intense support from the others. Then
things go quiet for Sherman’s highlight. After a
high-speed roll, Sherman and the rhythm section
gradually build up before reverting to the main theme.

Franceschini wrote “Minor Turns,” a freely expressive
selection. The tenor and vibes do their things, but the
thrill of this song lies in the accompaniment. Bass,
organ and drums shine even when the spotlight isn’t on
them.

Project Them began touring in early 2013, playing in
Europe and grooming some of the tunes on Project
TH3M.